Over many years the 2nd Sunday of July has been kept as Sea Sunday, with a special focus on prayer for all seafarers. The Mission to Seafarers supports the work of sailors facing difficult waters, piracy, and separation from loved ones for long periods at sea. However, we can also experience storms in our own lives. In Acts 27 we read how Paul was being taken as a prisoner to Rome, when he was caught in a storm off Crete. After 14 days they were shipwrecked on the island of Malta. Paul had warned the crew that it wasn’t a safe time of year to sail: “I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives.” But his words were ignored, and the ship sailed into a violent storm. By the third day they ‘finally gave up all hope of being saved’. How do we face up to storms in our lives? Do we worry and panic? God doesn’t necessarily prevent storms from taking place, but we can trust His purpose through them. Paul urged the sailors to “keep courage, because not one of you will be lost, only the ship will be destroyed”. His confidence rested on an angelic promise: “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” Only the sovereign God, who created the wind and waves, can promise to save people from a storm. What does this mean for us in our circumstances today? ‘Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come. Grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.’ (Amazing Grace: John Newton). Canon Paul Hardingham (Parish Pump) 5
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